American Society for Clinical Pathology

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional association based in the United States that represents the interests of pathologists and laboratory professionals. Founded in 1922, the ASCP provides education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of its members, aiming to enhance the quality of patient care. The society plays a crucial role in the advancement of laboratory medicine and the pathology profession through its comprehensive educational programs, certifications, and publications.

History

The ASCP was established in 1922 by a group of pathology and laboratory medicine professionals. The organization was created to address the need for standardization and improvement in the diagnostic laboratory field. Over the years, the ASCP has grown significantly, both in membership numbers and in the scope of its activities, becoming one of the largest professional organizations for pathologists and laboratory personnel in the world.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the ASCP is to provide excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. The society envisions a world where all people have access to the highest quality of care, delivered by competent pathology and laboratory professionals.

Membership

Membership in the ASCP is open to pathologists, pathologist assistants, laboratory professionals, and students in these fields. The society offers various levels of membership, including professional, associate, student, and emeritus memberships, each with specific benefits tailored to the member's career stage.

Certification

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is a globally recognized program that provides certification for medical laboratory professionals. The certification process involves rigorous examinations designed to assess the competence of candidates in various laboratory disciplines. Certification by the ASCP BOC is considered a mark of excellence and is often required by employers in the laboratory medicine field.

Education and Resources

The ASCP offers a wide range of educational programs and resources for its members and the broader pathology and laboratory medicine community. These include continuing education courses, webinars, conferences, and publications such as the American Journal of Clinical Pathology and Lab Medicine. The society also provides guidelines, best practices, and other resources to help professionals stay current with the latest developments in the field.

Advocacy

The ASCP actively advocates for policies that support the pathology and laboratory medicine profession and improve patient care. This includes lobbying for legislation and regulations that affect laboratory testing, reimbursement, and the workforce. The society also works to raise public awareness about the vital role of laboratory medicine in healthcare.

See Also

• Pathology
• Laboratory medicine
• Medical laboratory scientist
• Certification for medical laboratory professionals

External Links

• Official website